Monday, February 18, 2008

The acknowledgement prefacing this story states that it is based in part on a song by Patrizio Buanne, something the reader should truly take to heart as they begin reading Bella Signorina. Bianca Marino and Stefano Esposito meet at a Roman café, where both like to go dancing and socializing in the evenings. We soon see that while they may mingle with others on the surface, these two never really become a part of any group. There is however, an instantaneous attraction between the pair, and they find they have much in common, most especially their views on love and relationships. We are supposed to sense that the two "loners" could be destined for each, but life is never that simple. Happily, this is not a story where we needlessly struggle along with the characters as they determine the depth of their emotions; it is above all an uplifting story.

Denyse Bridger truly felt the spirit of the music in her writing as she composed her story: the dialogue between the characters was almost lyrical, their discussions deep and involved as they discovered more about each. The author could have made this into a traditional fairytale, with the requisite prince and commoner, and happily ever after. Instead she gives us wonderfully engaging, multi dimensional characters that still manage to have human frailties like doubt, fear and insecurity, yet overcome them with wisdom, respect and love. I truly enjoyed this story, and would not only recommend it to others to read, I fully intend to read it again (and again) myself….